Miami trying to drown out the noise as Florida game approaches

September 2, 2013|By Christy Cabrera Chirinos, Sun Sentinel

College football's talking heads have already dubbed Miami's matchup against Florida this week as one of the nation's most intriguing games. There are pep rallies and white-outs planned and the fan excitment just keeps growing.

But Miami coach Al Golden is doing his best to make sure his team stays even-keeled ahead of Saturday's noon showdown with the Gators.

"We can't barricade ourselves in from the all the excitement that is in South Florida right now that surrounds this game, but it's really important for us to be mature and focused and draw on some of our experience from last year," Golden said. "We just have to stay focused on what we can control."

"You watch them on tape, and it's enough to get your attention...it's really not about anything else."

Monday after the Hurricanes practice scheduled was altered because of lightning, his players echoed his sentiment. Yes, they understand what this rivalry means in terms of state bragging rights and recruiting, but they're trying not to let themselves got caught up in pre-game hype.

Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, a former standout at St. Thomas Aquinas, chuckled and then said he hadn't spoken to former high school teammates Cody Riggs and Marcus Roberson, both of whom are defensive backs at Florida.

And on it went from player after player, who repeatedly said they "get" the UM-UF rivalry, but they can'tlet themselves get caught up in anything aside from preparing for the nation's 10th-ranked team.

"We're going to prepare the same way we would for any game," said defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo. "I'm definitely excited for a game like this, but you get excited for every game. You only get 12 of these opportunities. You have to take advantage of all of them."